Module FOUD0648: Geology with Advanced Physics with Project

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0648: Geology with Advanced Physics with Project

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics, Core Foundation Maths for Scientists

Corequisites

• Introduction to Earth Science and Physical Geography.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Advanced Chemistry with Project, Advanced Physics with Project, Advanced Physics and Computer Science with Project, Advanced Physics and Engineering with Project.

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject
• To develop students' independent learning skills
• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in physics.
• To develop further understanding of physics concepts.
• To enhance students' ability to apply physics concepts to problem solving.
• To enhance confidence and ability in handling physics calculations.
• To develop a toolkit of independent study skills.
• To develop the student’s ability to perform an independent piece of research
• To prepare students for future studies in Higher Education.
• To develop reflective practice.
• To make students confident, competent and comfortable in using information technology in the context of academic environments.
• To extend the fundamental knowledge base in Geology in preparation for degree study in that area.
• To develop basic fieldwork skills.
• To introduce basic mapping and recording skills.

Content

• Physics Topics
• Introduction to particles and antiparticles:
• Classification of hadrons, baryons etc, quarks & anti-quarks, comparison of mass, charge and rest energy (Mev).
• Particle interactions, Annihilation and pair production processes.
• The strong nuclear force -Equations for alpha and beta decay including the neutrino.
• Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena:
• the photoelectric effect, photon model of electromagnetic radiation, Planck constant
• collision of electrons with atoms, ionisation, excitation, energy levels, photon emission, line spectra
• wave-particle duality – de-Broglie wavelength.
• Electric Fields:
• Coulomb’s law Force between point charges in a vacuum
• Electric field strength, comparison of electric and gravitational fields, inverse square law
• Magnetic flux density, Fleming’s left hand rule, moving charges in a magnetic field, magnetic flux and flux linkage
• electromagnetic induction – Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws.
• transformers.
• Circular motion: angular speed, centripetal acceleration, centripetal force. Gravitation;
• force between point masses – formula
• Gravitational field strength, Gravitational potential
• orbits of planets and satellites.
• Molecular kinetic theory, PVT, ideal gas equation, Avagadro and Boltzman.
• Lifecycle of a Star: Pressure versus Gravity, Red Giants, Supernovae, Neutron Stars & Black Holes
• This module will also provide the opportunity for students to develop their key skills in IT, communication, use of number, problem-based learning, working with others, reflective practice, problem solving and critical thinking, through structured activities and diagnostic exercises
• Fossil fuel energy sources.
• Geological map interpretation
• Geological data collection, scale sections and sedimentary logging
• Field safety.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• describe the basic concepts involved in: Quantum Mehcanics, Particle Physics, Electromagnetism, Gravitational Physics, Mechanics, Semiconductors and Astrophysics
• understand the origin and recovery of fossil fuels.
• understand how geological data is represented on maps.
• Understand how to interpret common associations of rocks and structures in the field.
• demonstrate an awareness of safety issues and risk assessment in geological fieldwork

• apply mathematical techniques and conceptual understanding in physics to solve problems in Quantum Mehcanics, Particle Physics, Electromagnetism, Gravitational Physics, Mechanics, Semiconductors and Astrophysics
• Carry out appropriate mathematical/physical calculations as required.
• use IT as necessary to aid in problem solving
• use Word Processing and Spreadsheet software to aid in producing a written report.
• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• Relate observations and data to underlying theory.
• Select and use basic lab equipment.
• Interpret geological data to understand fossil fuel resource potential.
• make observations and measurements from field activities, photographs, specimens and geological maps using geological knowledge and appropriate vocabulary.
• prepare cross-sections, logs and basic geological maps.
• be familiar with the process of risk assessment and the identification of strategies for minimising health and safety risks when undertaking field and laboratory work.
• Undertake a practical or scientific research project with critical evaluation.

• By the end of the module the students will be able to:
• communicate effectively in writing
• apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
• demonstrate problem solving skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures, demonstrations and seminars and through discussion of guided reading in tutorials
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises during sessions and students own time.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by a series of portfolio tasks, and an end of module test.
• Knowledge, understanding and the ability to use concepts to undertake a piece of independent research will be assessed by a written research project.
• Project will assess SS3, SS7, SS8, SS9, KS1, KS2, KS3,
• Portfolio will assess SS3, SS6, SS7, SS8, SS9, SK6, SK7, SK8, SK9, KS1, KS2, KS3.
• End of Module Test will assess SS1, SS3, SS5, SS6, SS7, SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SK6, SK7, SK9, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly exercises and practice questions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University